Mobile Projection Sets for Amusement Park Ride Immersion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Amusement park ride displays are limited in duration and immersion due to their fixed positions, restricting patron viewing time and creating a less dynamic experience as riders move past stationary scenes.

Innovation Solution

A mobile electronic image display system comprising a guest vehicle and an automated mobile set with a display device, synchronized to move with ride vehicles, providing dynamic projection of electronic images and altering sightlines to enhance immersion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If displays are positioned along a fixed path, then the structure is simple and easy to implement, but the viewing time is limited and the experience is less immersive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transitioning from static displays to mobile displays that can move along the ride path. The mobile display system includes a display device mounted on a mobile platform with motors and controllers that enable it to follow ride vehicles dynamically, thereby extending viewing time without requiring a complete redesign of the entire ride system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the Segmentation principle by dividing the ride system into independent components: ride vehicles, mobile displays, and control systems. Each mobile display operates as an independent unit that can be controlled separately, allowing the system to extend viewing time while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If displays are stationary, then the device complexity is low, but the immersion and dynamic interaction with riders is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile display system enables dynamic interaction by allowing displays to move and reposition themselves to follow ride vehicles. This creates adaptive viewing experiences where displays can adjust their position and timing based on the movement of ride vehicles, enhancing immersion while using standardized mobile platform components to control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where controllers receive information about ride vehicle positions and adjust mobile display movements accordingly. This feedback loop enables the displays to maintain optimal positioning relative to ride vehicles, enhancing interaction capability while using automated control systems to manage complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of moving object

If mobile displays are used to extend viewing time, then the viewing experience is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses mobile displays mounted on motorized platforms that can dynamically adjust their position along the ride path. This enables extended viewing time as displays can follow ride vehicles for longer durations, while the use of standardized mobile robot platforms and modular display components helps manage the inherent complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile display platforms are designed as multi-functional units that can serve multiple displays and potentially different ride configurations. This universality allows a single mobile platform design to support various display arrangements and ride types, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining extended viewing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2328664B1Mobile projected sets
Publication Date: 2013.07.24 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC
  • EP2328664B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2328664B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2328664B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

One particular implementation of the present invention may take the form of a mobile set (100) configured to include one or more projection devices (105) to display a media presentation to a viewer. The mobile set may be configured to follow a fixed path or may move through autonomous navigation. In one embodiment, the mobile set may be included as part of an amusement park ride to interact with the ride patrons and provide them with a greater entertainment experience. For example, the mobile projected set may be synchronized to move with a carrier vehicle carrying the ride patrons and' project a presentation or display to the ride patrons during the ride. Placing the projected scene on a mobile set allows the patrons to interact with the projected scene for a longer period of time then if the projected scene was stationary. Further, the mobile sets may be used to configure and control sightlines through the ride to provide a more dynamic environment for the amusement park ride.